Infrared and red light therapy, often termed photobiomodulation and mostly applied via LEDs, is a non-invasive treatment that employs specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing and address a variety of health and aesthetic conditions. This innovative therapy has surged in popularity in the last decade, celebrated for its efficacy, safety, and adaptability. In this article, we will explore the scientific foundations of red and infrared LED light therapy, clarifying its mechanisms, its multiple health benefits and the practical considerations for its application…
How red/infrared light therapy fights skin and whole body inflammation
Red/infrared light therapy works by shining light on the body, where it’s absorbed by specific molecules called chromophores. One key chromophore is cytochrome c oxidase, found in the mitochondria—the powerhouses of cells that produce energy. When red (about 630nm) or infrared light (about 830nm) hits this molecule, it boosts energy production by increasing ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the cell’s energy currency. It also causes a small burst of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are molecules that can signal changes in the cell. Other chromophores include calcium ion channels, which might respond to blue or green light, and water molecules, which absorb infrared light. All these interactions lead to a chain reaction: ATP rises, ROS briefly spikes, and nitric oxide increases, all helping cells function better and reducing inflammation…
Can infrared led light therapy enhance lymphatic drainage and fluid balance?
At its core, infrared light therapy employs light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to emit wavelengths typically ranging from 700 to 1,000 nanometers. Unlike the harsh ultraviolet rays that scorch the skin, infrared light penetrates deeper into tissues, reaching muscles, nerves, and even lymphatic structures. The mechanism hinges on stimulating mitochondria—the powerhouses of cells—to produce more adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule that fuels cellular activity…
IPL vs LED red light therapy for facial skin redness
Superficial facial vascular lesions (facial redness, thread/spider veins) can be an aesthetic problem as well as a symptom of different skin diseases. Risk factors include Fitzpatrick skin types I, II and III, significant sun exposure, rosacea, alcohol consumption and smoking. Facial spider veins and related facial vascular lesions are treated with laser, IPL and LED phototherapy treatments. The first two (laser and IPL) are generally more effective but also can cause side effects, such pain, erythema/redness and less often oedema, blistering, hematoma, crusting, hyperpigmentation, scarring, keloid formation and infection…
Infrared light therapy for achilles tendinopathy
The most common treatment regime for achilles tendon injury involves eccentric exercises to effect fibre remodelling. However, low level light therapy (LED or laser), usually in the infrared range for improved penetration, is also used for soft tissue / sports injuries, such as tendinopathies, always in combination with exercise. The randomized controlled trial listed below investigated the clinical effectiveness of an eccentric exercise regime for achilles tendinopathy and evaluated the additional benefits of photobiomodulation (low level light therapy, LLLT) as an adjunct treatment. The study challenged the necessity of the intensive Alfredson protocol…
How does infrared / red light therapy work?
Energy in every single cell of the human body is produced in specialised cell compartments called mitochondria. Mitochondria is where oxygen is utilised to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell. If mitochondria malfunction then the whole cell malfunctions and underperforms. On the skin, this can lead to aesthetic problems (dull, irritated, inflamed or unhealthy skin). In other organs and tissues this can lead to a poorer state of health, lower energy levels, slower recovery from injuries etc…
Does red LED light help with pain?
Yes, it can. Multiple quality studies (randomised and placebo controlled) have shown that pain (back pain musculoskeletal pain. or other pain) can be relieved immediately after red / infrared LED light therapy treatment - and can also be reduced in the long run with repeated treatment. Red/infrared light therapy (laser or LED) can also help with injury healing, in combination with other modalities, such as physiotherapy, or on its own, as research has shown. Specifically for pain reduction, higher light intensities…